Funky concepts preview trends coming to compact SUVs

The new Jeep Renegade subcompact crossover SUV is shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

Sandro Campardo, AP Photo

The Subaru Viziv2 concept was unveiled at Geneva and could preview what Subaru has in store for its next compact SUV.

Graeme Fletcher, Driving

The new Volkswagen CrossPolo is on display at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Martial Trezzini, AP Photo/Keystone

The Jeep Renegade is seen during the media day of the 84th Geneva International Motor Show.

Laurent Cipriani, AP Photo

A model poses in front of the new Citroen C4 Cactus small SUV during the media day of the 84th Geneva International Motor Show, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 4, 2014.

Laurent Cipriani, AP Photo

The new Hyundai Prototype Intrado is on display during the press day at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Martial Trezzini, AP Photo/Keystone

An updated Nissan Juke as unveiled in Geneva this year.

Alexandra Straub, Driving

A man looks at models who pose in front of the new Giugiaro Clipper during the media day of the 84th Geneva International Motor Show, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 4, 2014.

Laurent Cipriani, AP Photo

Automakers continue to feed consumers' increasing appetite for compact SUVs, and the proof was in all the cool concepts in Geneva

by
Jodi Lai | March 5, 2014

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Although the Geneva Motor Show is typically closely followed for its supercars, this year, small SUVs also shared the spotlight.

Automakers continue to feed consumers’ increasing appetite for compact SUVs, which is a huge market that only keeps getting bigger all over the world. People flock to the maneuverability, fuel efficiency, affordable four-wheel-drive and cargo capacity that small SUVs offer.

This year’s Geneva Motor Show saw many unveilings of funky-looking compact SUVs including the Jeep Renegade, which will go into production, the Volkswagen T-ROC, an open-top SUV that could spawn a real model, the Hyundai Intrado, Subaru Viziv2, Citroen Cactus, and an updated Nissan Juke, along with many others.

Some emerging trends we saw for small SUVs at Geneva include bolder lines and sportier stances. The boxy SUV look that was once so popular has gone in favour of more aggressive design. Hybridization is also becoming more common in the small SUV segment. Subaru’s Viziv2, for example, is a plug-in hybrid. Small SUV buyers should also be expecting more diesel options (the VW T-ROC is powered by a turbodiesel) and more options for customization.

Flip through the gallery above to take a peek at what kind of compact SUVs we might see in our driveways in the near future.